Turkey to buy long-range missile defense system

ANKARA, Turkey 
Turkey's military on Friday said it was planning to spend close to $1 billion (euro680 million) for its first long-range missile defense system.

The Turkish announcement came a day after U.S. President Barack Obama canceled a long-planned missile shield for Eastern Europe, replacing a Bush-era project that was opposed by Russia with a plan he contended would better defend against Iranian missiles.

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Turkey's move was aimed at strengthening the country's defense, rejecting media speculation that the system is meant specifically to protect the country from Iranian missiles.

"Turkey's purchase of Patriot (missiles) has nothing to do with Iran or directly with any other country," Davutoglu told CNN-Turk television in an interview on Friday. "There should absolutely be no connection between Patriots and Iran."

The Patriot missile is a long-range weapon, designed to defend against aircraft, ballistic and cruise missiles at high altitudes, made by the U.S. companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. Though Davutoglu referred to Patriot missiles, the country has not yet chosen what specific system Turkey would buy.

The Defense Ministry said Chinese, Russian and American companies have been invited to present proposals. A significant part of the Turkish military arsenal is weaponry bought from the United States.

Turkey has short-range missile defense capabilities but had to borrow NATO Patriot missile batteries to protect itself before the Iraq war. At the time, Dutch Patriot batteries were stationed at a military air base in southeastern Turkey.

Turkish military spokesman Brig. Gen. Metin Gurak says the system will be mobile units that can act as deterrents wherever they are needed.

The companies will submit their offers until Oct. 13. Gurak added that neighboring Greece has Patriot launching systems and missiles.

"The real figure will come out during the tender process. However, it will be around $1 billion (euro680 million)," Gurak told a weekly news conference.